JPH11261784A - Image storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently use a personal box provided for a copying machine. SOLUTION: A large capacity hard disk 304b is provided for a copying machine connecting with a host computer 1000 via a network. A personal box area 601 having plural personal boxes is provided in the hard disk 304b. In a control section of the copying machine, image data outputted from an external device are stored in each personal box and image quality of the image data is converted based on attribute information of the image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image storage device having storage means for storing image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a large-capacity hard disk (HD)
There is a digital copier equipped with. This large-capacity hard disk is mainly used for performing an electronic sort function.

The electronic sort function is to read out images of all originals to be copied, store the image data on a hard disk, and repeatedly print out the image data in a page order. This makes it possible to discharge copy sheets in a sorted state without having a sorter device having a plurality of bins.
PDL (page description language) from the host computer
The digital copier receives the data via the network, develops the data from the PDL into a bitmap image, temporarily stores the data in the hard disk in the same manner as described above, reads out the image from the memory, and prints out the image.

[0004] More recently, the storage area of the hard disk has been divided into individuals, the image received from the host computer has been temporarily stored in an area (personal box) designated by the host computer, and the image has been printed from the personal box. Proposed. The image stored in the personal box is printed by inputting a password for accessing his / her area from the operation unit of the copying machine. As a result, the image of the owner of the personal box is not printed out without permission from the copying machine, and there is no concern that data other than the owner of the personal box can be viewed by the user.

[0005]

However, since the host computer can arbitrarily designate a personal box and send image data, image data from various people is stored in the personal box. Therefore, there is a problem that the personal box is likely to become full, and when the personal box becomes full, the personal box cannot be used.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems,
The present invention includes a storage unit having a plurality of storage areas and storing image data output from an external device, and storing the image data stored in the storage area in accordance with attribute information of the image data stored in the storage area. And a conversion unit for converting the image quality of the image data.

Further, the present invention has a plurality of storage areas,
Storage means for storing image data output from an external device; and image data stored in the storage area in response to a data amount of the image data stored by the storage means reaching a predetermined value. And a converting means for converting the image quality of the image.

Further, the present invention has a plurality of storage areas,
A storage unit for storing image data output from an external device, and controlling to convert the image quality of the image data in response to a lapse of a predetermined period from when the image data is stored in the storage area. And a control unit for performing the above operation.

Further, the present invention has a plurality of storage areas,
Storage means for storing image data output from an external device, image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data stored by the storage means, and image formation by the image forming means Control means for controlling the image quality of the image data to be converted when a predetermined period elapses from the time when the image storage device is operated.

Further, the present invention has a plurality of storage areas,
Storage means for storing image data output from an external device; image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data stored by the storage means; and image data stored in the storage area Counting means for counting the number of times an image is formed by the image forming means in a predetermined period; and converting the image quality of the image data stored in the storage area according to the number of times counted by the counting means. And control means for controlling the image storage device.

[0011]

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Is a copying machine main body, and 180 is a circulating automatic document feeder (R
DF).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass serving as a document placing table, 102 denotes a scanner, and includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner is reciprocated in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown),
The reflected light 107 from the original on the platen glass 101 passes through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 and the lens 108,
An image is formed on a sensor (image sensor unit) 109.

An exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 irradiates the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser beam 129 which is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and modulated based on an image signal on which predetermined image processing described later has been performed.

Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126, the photoconductor drum 110 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow by a motor (not shown), and is charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112. Light 129 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121,
It is visualized as a toner image. On the other hand, the upper cassette 13
Transfer paper fed from the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by paper feed rollers 135 and 136,
The toner image which is fed to the transfer belt 130 by the 37 and is visualized is transferred to the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 110 is placed in the cleaner device 1.
16 removes residual toner, and the pre-exposure lamp 114
As a result, residual charges are erased.

The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, and sent to the fixing device 141. The toner image is fixed by pressure and heat in a fixing device 141, and is discharged out of the main body 100 by a discharge roller 161.

The main body 100 is provided with a deck 150 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. In addition, a multi-bypass tray 15 capable of storing 100 sheets of transfer paper
3 are equipped.

Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 154 to a double-sided recording side or a multiple recording side. The lower transport path 15
8 guides the transfer paper sent from the paper discharge roller 142 to the paper discharge tray 156. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 through the path 160. 161 is disposed near the discharge flapper 154,
A discharge roller for discharging the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the main body 100.
At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward to transfer the copied transfer paper to the transport paths 155 and 15.
Then, the sheet is stored in the sheet re-feed tray 156 in a state where the sheet is turned over through the sheet feeding tray 8.

When the transfer paper is inverted and discharged from the main body, the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, and the multiple flapper 1
57 to the right and transport the copied transfer paper to transport path 15
5 and the rear end of the transfer paper is
Is transferred to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reversing roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over and discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 161.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the image reading unit 2
01 is the CCD sensor 109, the analog signal processing unit 20
The document image formed on the CCD sensor 109 is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 109. The converted image information is input to the analog signal processing unit 202, and is subjected to analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion) after performing sample & hold, dark level correction, and the like. The digitized signal is
After the shooting correction (correction of the variation of the sensor for reading the original and the light distribution characteristic of the original illumination lamp) and the scaling process, the image is input to the electronic sorter unit 203.

The electronic sorter unit 203 performs correction processing necessary for an output system such as γ correction, smoothing processing, edge enhancement, other processing, processing, and the like.
Is output to

The printer unit 204 includes an exposure control unit 120 composed of a laser or the like described with reference to the cross-sectional configuration diagram of FIG.
The image forming unit 126 includes a transfer sheet transfer control unit and the like, and records an image on the transfer sheet according to an input image signal.

Further, the CPU circuit unit 205
6, the ROM 207, the RAM 208, and the like, and controls the image reading unit 201, the electronic sorter unit 203, the printer unit 204, and the like, and performs overall control of the present sequence control. Further, the CPU circuit unit 205 has a clock function for recognizing the current time. The instruction set on the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus is input to the CPU circuit unit 205.

The external I / F processing unit 209 develops the PDL output from the external host computer 1000 into a bitmap image, and converts the PDL into image data.
Output to 3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic sorter unit 203. The image sent from the image reading unit 201 is input as luminance data and sent to the log conversion unit 301. The log conversion unit 301 stores an LUT (Look Up Table) for density conversion of the input luminance data, and outputs a table value corresponding to the input data to convert the luminance data into a density. Convert to data.

Thereafter, the density data is sent to the binarizing section 302. In the binarization unit 302, the multi-value density data is “0”
Alternatively, the data is converted to “255”, and the 8-bit density data is converted to 1-bit binary data of “0” or “1”. This reduces the amount of image data stored in the memory.

The binarized image data is supplied to the control unit 303.
Sent to Also, a PD input from the external I / F processing unit 209 and output from the host computer 1000
Since the bitmap image data in which L has been expanded has been processed as binary image data by the external I / F processing unit 209, it is sent to the control unit 303 as it is.

The control unit 303 temporarily stores the original read from the image reading unit 201 and the bitmap image from the external I / F processing unit 209 all in the image storage unit 304 in accordance with a command from the CPU circuit unit 205. , And sequentially reads and outputs image data from the image storage unit 304.

The image storage unit 304 is a buffer memory 304
C, SCSI controller 304a, hard disk 3
The binary image data having the information 04b and sent from the control unit 303 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 304C.
Then, in accordance with an instruction from the SCSI controller 304a, the hard disk 304 is transferred from the buffer memory 304C.
Write image data to b. The buffer memory 304C has a buffer memory area 1 (BM1) and a buffer memory area 2 (BM2).

When reading image data written on the hard disk 304b, the SCSI controller 30
According to the instruction from 4a, the image data is temporarily read from the hard disk 304b to the buffer memory 304C, and the image data is sent from the buffer memory 304C to the control unit 303.

A plurality of image data stored in the hard disk 304b are printed in an order corresponding to the editing mode specified by the operation unit 700 of the copying machine. For example, PDL images sent from the first page are printed in reverse order,
In the case of electronic sorting, the host computer 1000
After temporarily storing the PDL bitmap images of all pages sent from the hard disk 304b,
Images are read from the hard disk 304b in order from the last page to the first page and printed. This is repeated for the number of copies requested by the host computer 1000 to implement electronic sorting.

The buffer memory 304C has a maximum resolution (for example, 600 dpi) and a maximum size (for example, A3).
It is assumed that the image data has a size that can store image data of at least two pages, and is used for performing a reduced layout such as a 2in1 or 4in1 layout. After the layout is completed, the image data is sent to the control unit 303.

Further, the buffer memory 304C is used as one of conversion means for converting the resolution of the image data stored in the hard disk 304b. By converting the resolution of the image data stored in the hard disk 304b and reducing the data amount of the stored image data, the free space of the hard disk 304b increases, so that the hard disk 304b can be used efficiently.

For example, when converting the resolution of image data stored in the hard disk from 600 dpi to 300 dpi, the resolution of 600 dpi in the hard disk 304b is changed.
i is read out, and the buffer memory 304
Write to the buffer memory area BM1 in C. Based on the read image data, the image data is skipped every other dot in the main scanning direction and one line at a time in the sub-scanning direction.
pi image data is created.

The created 300 dpi image data is written to the buffer memory area BM2 in the buffer memory 304C. This image data is stored again in the hard disk 304b. When storing the created image data in the hard disk 304b, the image data in the hard disk 304b corresponding to the created image data is deleted.

Then, the image data of 600 dpi in the buffer memory area BM1 and the buffer memory area B
The image data in M2 is deleted. As described above, the image data of 600 dpi stored in the hard disk 304b can be converted to the image data of 300 dpi. The data amount of the image data whose resolution has been converted from 600 dpi to 300 dpi is one fourth that before conversion.

Further, by repeating the above process, the resolution of image data composed of a plurality of pages in the hard disk 304b can be converted.

By converting the resolution of the stored image data and reducing the amount of image data, the free space of the hard disk 304b is increased, so that the hard disk 304b can be used efficiently.

The image data read from the image storage unit 304 or the image data to be printed without being stored in the image storage unit 304 is sent to the smoothing unit 305. The smoothing unit 305 converts the 1-bit data into 8-bit data, and sets the image data signal to “0” or “255”.

The smoothing unit 305 converts the resolution of the image data so as to correspond to the basic resolution at the time of printing. For example, if the resolution of the image data stored in the hard disk 304b is 300 dpi and the basic resolution at the time of printing is 600 dpi, the hard disk 304
b, based on the 300 dpi image data sent via the control unit 303 via the buffer memory 304C, and interpolates bitmap data in both the main scanning and sub-scanning directions.
Image data equivalent to 00 dpi is created.

The smoothed image data is supplied to a γ correction unit 30.
6 is input. When outputting density data, the γ correction unit 306 performs conversion using an LUT in consideration of the characteristics of the printer unit 204, and adjusts output according to the density value set by the operation unit 700.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus in this embodiment.

This screen is a touch panel, and the function is executed by touching the frame of the displayed function.

The copy mode key 424 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. By pressing this key, the extended function key 401 enters a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, moving, binding margin setting, frame erasing setting, and the like. The image mode key 402 enters a mode such as setting of shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking of a copied image by pressing this key. A user mode key 403 can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen. The advanced zoom key 404 enters a mode in which the X and Y directions of the document are independently scaled by pressing this key, and a mode of a zoom program in which the magnification is calculated from the document size and the copy size.

The M1 key 405, the M2 key 406, and the M3 key 407 are keys to be pressed when calling the registered mode memories. An option key 409 is a key for entering a mode for setting optional functions such as a film projector for directly copying from a film.

A sorter key 410 is used to set whether to use a mechanical sorter or an electronic sorter, to sort the sorter, and to set modes such as groups. The mixed original key 411 is a key that is pressed when an A4 size and an A3 size, or a B5 size and a B4 size original are set together on the original feeder.

The same-size key 412 is a key to be pressed when setting the copy magnification to 100%. Reduction key 414, enlargement key 4
Reference numeral 15 denotes a key to be pressed when performing a standard reduction or enlargement.
The paper selection key 413 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper. The density keys 418 and 420 are
Each time the density key 420 is pressed, a dark copy is made, and each time the density key 420 is pressed, a light copy is made. The density display 417 is displayed on the density key 41.
Pressing 8,420 changes the display left and right. AE key 4
Reference numeral 19 denotes a key which is pressed when an original having a dark background such as a newspaper is to be subjected to automatic density adjustment copying.

The HiFi key 421 is a key to be pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a newspaper document.
The character emphasis key 422 is a key to be pressed when characters are to be emphasized in copying a character document. The guide key 423 is a key to be pressed when a certain key function is unknown, and a description of the key whose function is unknown is displayed.

The fax key 425 is a key pressed when a fax is performed, and the file key 426 is a key pressed when a file data is to be output.

A printer key 427 is a key that is pressed when the user wants to change the print density or refer to the print output result of the PDL image output from the host computer 1000.

A PB key 428 is a personal box key, and is a button to be pressed when printing out image data stored in the hard disk 304b in the image storage unit 304.

The personal box will be described with reference to FIG. The hard disk 304b in the image storage unit 304 includes a temporary area 600 and a personal box area 601. Temporary area 60
Reference numeral 0 denotes an area for temporarily storing image data in order to perform electronic sorting, and the image data is deleted after the job ends.

The personal box area 601 is an area for storing image data in which a PDL image from the host computer 1000 has been expanded, in a personal box in the personal box area 601 corresponding to the personal box number received from the host computer 1000. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the case of a 1 GB hard disk, 300 MB is allocated to the temporary area 60.
0 and 700 MB are used separately in the personal box area 601. When the number of personal boxes is 10, the box area that each individual can have is 7
0 MB. Each personal box has a number, for example, boxes 602, 603, 604,
605 is a personal box number 0, 1, respectively.
2,9.

Then, the user selects a personal box in which image data to be printed is stored from the personal box area 601 on the operation unit 700. At this time, by inputting a password corresponding to the selected personal box, image data stored in the personal box can be printed.

The password is different for each personal box. Therefore, if only the person to whom the personal box is assigned knows the password, the image data stored in the personal box owned by the user will not be printed unless the password is entered, so that other people can view the image data. Don't worry about it.

As a method for recognizing the owner of the personal box, a magnetic card storing a code corresponding to each individual may be read.

FIG. 6 shows a window displayed on the host computer 1000. The window is used to issue an instruction to print document data and to specify a personal box on application software.

A window 501 is displayed when printing is designated on the menu of the application. 502
Is the currently set printer name, in the case of the present embodiment, for example, the name of a copier connected to a network.
Reference numerals 503 and 504 denote print range settings for setting whether to print all pages of the document or how many pages of the document to print. At this time, whether to specify all pages or a range of pages is determined by placing the pointer on the corresponding □ mark and clicking the mouse to place a check mark.

Reference numeral 505 denotes a setting of the number of copies, which sets how many copies are to be printed. A detail button 509 is a button for entering a mode for setting, for example, the resolution for printing.
When the print setting is completed, the print is started by pointing the pointer to the OK button 507 and clicking the mouse. Cancel button 5 to invalidate print settings
The print setting is invalidated by moving the pointer to 08 and clicking the mouse.

At this time, if the check mark is not put in the square mark 510, printing is performed immediately. When using the personal box instead of printing the document data immediately, that is, when temporarily storing the document data in the personal box, place the pointer on the □ mark of 510, click the mouse, and click the check mark. The user presses (clicks) the personal box button 506 to enter a mode for designating a personal box.

FIG. 7 shows a personal box window 520 that is opened when the personal box button 506 is pressed in the print setting window 501 displayed on the host computer 1000 for printing document data on an application or designating a personal box. The state of is shown.

A personal box window 520 is used to designate a personal box in which document data of application software is to be stored, and to operate the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus.
Instead of setting in, the mode for printing the document data is set.

Reference numeral 523 denotes a one-sided print setting. When the user places the pointer on the square mark and clicks with the mouse to place a check mark, the job of the document data stored in the personal box is printed on one side. Numeral 524 denotes double-sided print setting. When the user places the pointer on the square mark and clicks with the mouse to place a check mark, the job of the document data stored in the personal box is double-sided printed.

Position the pointer to the 525 mark for non-sort printing of the document data job stored in the personal box, 526 for electronic sorting printing, and 527 for group printing, and click the mouse to check. Put the mark.

Reference numeral 528 denotes a sheet setting, which sets the size of the sheet used for printing. For example, if you click the ▽ mark on the right of 528 with a mouse, A4, A5, B4
Etc. can be selected and can be selected. 5
Reference numeral 29 denotes a paper feed stage setting, which sets a cassette stage used for printing. For example, by clicking the mark ▽ on the right of 529 with a mouse, a paper feed stage such as the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 can be selected and can be selected. In the case of "auto" as shown in the figure, the cassette stage containing the copy paper of the paper size designated by 528 is automatically selected. 532 is a detailed setting, for example,
This button is used to enter a mode for setting a reduced layout such as 2in1 or 4in1.

Reference numeral 531 denotes a cancel button, which invalidates the settings relating to the personal box, and
Press to return to 1. Reference numeral 530 denotes an OK button, which is pressed when all the settings relating to the personal box are completed and the settings are made valid. After the button is pressed, the screen returns to the window 501 in FIG. 6, and when the OK button 507 is pressed, the document data of the application is transferred to the personal box.

FIG. 8 shows a basic screen 601a of the personal box of the operation unit. Reference numeral 601a denotes an operation unit 70 of the copying apparatus.
This is the main screen of the personal box displayed at 0, and is displayed by pressing the personal box key 428 of the operation unit 700. The screen 601a is a screen that indicates that the image data input from the host computer 1000 is stored in each personal box. Each personal box is assigned a personal box number. On the screen of the operation unit (not shown),
A name is given to each personal box number.

For example, in the case of the personal box number 1, the name "box of Tanaka" is given, which clearly indicates that Mr. Tanaka is registered as a personal box to be used. Then, only Tanaka himself who knows the password associated with the personal box can print the image data stored in the personal box.

The percentage displayed at the right end of the box of each box indicates the ratio used by that box with respect to the hard disk capacity of the entire personal box area. For example, if the hard disk capacity of the personal box area is 700 MB, the box number 01 is 2%, indicating that about 14 MB is used.

In this embodiment, the resolution of the image data is converted based on the attribute information of the image data stored in the personal box. For example, the time when the image data was stored in the personal box, a predetermined period, and the number of times the image data stored in the personal box were printed are stored as attribute information in association with the image data.

A method of converting the resolution of the image data based on the attribute information using the time when the image data is stored in the personal box and a predetermined period will be described. In the present embodiment, the resolution of the image data is converted in accordance with the lapse of a predetermined period since the image data was stored in the personal box.

For example, the predetermined period is seven days,
When 600 dpi image data is stored in the personal box, the time when the image data was stored in the personal box and a predetermined period of 7 days are stored as attribute information in association with the image data.
Then, the resolution is converted based on the attribute information.

In this case, the image data of 600 dpi stored in the personal box is converted into, for example, 300 dpi image data seven days after the image data is stored.

The time at which the image data stored in the personal box was printed may be used as the attribute information. In the present embodiment, the resolution is converted according to the lapse of a predetermined period after printing the image data stored in the personal box.

For example, assuming that the predetermined period is seven days, the time when the image data stored in the personal box is printed and the predetermined period is seven days.
The date is stored as attribute information in association with the image data. Then, the resolution is converted based on the attribute information. In this case, the resolution of the printed image data is converted seven days after the image data stored in the personal box is printed.

Next, a method of converting the resolution of the image data based on the number of times the image data stored in the personal box is printed as attribute information will be described. In this embodiment, the number of times the image data stored in the personal box is printed and the reference number of times set in the personal box are stored as attribute information in association with the image data. Then, it counts how many times each of the stored image data has been printed in a predetermined period, and converts the resolution of the image data having a small number of prints.

For example, the reference number of prints is set to one, and it is checked whether the number of prints in a predetermined period is equal to or less than the reference number of prints. If the number of prints is equal to or less than the reference number of prints, the resolution is converted.

As described above, by converting the resolution based on the attribute information of the image data stored in the personal box and reducing the data amount of the stored image data, the free space of the hard disk 304b is increased. The personal box 304b can be used efficiently.

As another example, the resolution of the image data of the personal box may be converted by checking whether the data amount of the image data currently using the personal box 304b exceeds a predetermined capacity. .

For example, when the data amount of the image data stored in the personal box becomes 90% of the maximum usable capacity of the personal box, it is determined in advance that the resolution of the image data is converted, and the current data amount is changed. The resolution of each image data is converted by checking whether it exceeds 90% of the maximum usable capacity.

Further, the image data having a resolution of 150 dpi or less has a crushed character, and has little meaning as image data. Therefore, for example, 150 dpi is determined in advance as the minimum resolution, and when image data of 150 dpi or less is stored in the personal box,
The image data is automatically deleted from the hard disk 304b without converting the resolution.

Therefore, since the image data having the resolution lower than the minimum resolution is automatically deleted, the free space of the personal box is further increased, and the effect of using the personal box efficiently is further enhanced.

Reference numerals 602a, 603a, and 604a are buttons for entering a mode for displaying the job contents stored in the respective box numbers 00, 01, and 02. Reference numerals 606 and 607 denote up and down scroll keys. By pressing these keys, the screen can be scrolled, and the name of the box number and the used capacity of the personal box storing the image data not displayed on the screen can be viewed.

Reference numeral 608 denotes a close key. By pressing this key, it is possible to return to the main screen shown in FIG. 609
Is a fax status key. By pressing this key, the status of fax transmission / reception can be confirmed.

FIG. 9 shows a password input screen on the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus. Reference numeral 610 denotes a personal box password input screen. This screen is displayed when a box number corresponding to the personal box owned by the user is pressed from 602a to 604a on the screen shown in FIG.

The password entered here is a password associated with the personal box for printing image data. The password is a password that only the owner of the personal box can know.

Therefore, if only the owner of the personal box knows the password, the image of the owner of the personal box will not be printed out without permission from the copying machine. You don't have to worry about people seeing your data.

The password is input using the numeric keys 690.
In 611, the entered numerical value is displayed with an asterisk (*) to indicate the input digit and a non-existent digit to prevent it from being seen by others.

Reference numeral 612 denotes an OK key, which starts collation of the input password. A cancel key 613 is pressed to cancel the input of the print password and return to the personal box main screen 601a.

FIG. 10 is a screen for displaying information stored in the personal box designated on the screen 601a (the stored date, time, document name, and whether or not printing has been completed). A screen 630 displays information stored in the personal box. This screen is screen 610
Displayed when the print password entered in is correct.

For example, Mr. Tanaka who is the owner of box number 1 inputs a print password known only to him and collates the password to see the screen 630. The password matching process is executed by the CPU 206 of the copying machine. Reference numerals 623 and 624 indicate information stored by designating the personal box number from the host computer 1000.

At 623, at 11:30 on March 8,
The document “A plan” is transferred to the host computer 100
0 indicates that data is stored in this box. Here, “printed” at the right end indicates that printing has been performed at least once since this document was stored in the personal box. By displaying "NG" or the like in the right end area, it may be indicated that the hard disk or the personal box is full and the document could not be stored correctly.

At 624, at 21:14 on March 11, a document called “B meeting material” was sent to the host computer 1.
000 indicates that the data is stored in this box.
Here, the rightmost “unprinted” indicates that the document has not been printed since this document was stored in the personal box. Then, by touching this line 624, the line 62 of this job is
4 is inverted.

Reference numeral 616 denotes a detail key, which is a key for displaying details of the job on the reversed line. This is a key for displaying information such as "copy three copies on both sides of A4 paper" set in the print windows 501 and 520 of the application of the host computer 1000 in detail. Further, it is possible to change job information such as changing the number of print copies from three to five on the displayed screen.

Reference numeral 617 denotes a print key. Pressing this button starts printing of the print data of the job on the reversed line in accordance with the contents of the print job setting. An erase key 618 is pressed to erase image data corresponding to the inverted line from the hard disk 304b.

Reference numerals 619 and 620 denote up and down scroll keys, which are used to scroll the screen when displaying a large number of job contents that cannot be displayed on one screen. 62
2 can check the status of fax transmission and reception.
A close key 621 is pressed to return to the personal box screen 601a in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the screen 630 of FIG.
It is a screen 650 displayed when the detailed information key 616 is pressed. The detailed information screen 650 shows detailed information of the job content of the personal box selected on the screen 630.

The overall setting information display frame 651 displays information such as “copy three copies on one side of A4 paper” set in the print windows 501 and 520 of the application of the host computer 1000 in detail. For example,
In FIG. 11, A4 paper is used, and the same size, one-sided copy is used.
This indicates that three copies of ten originals are sorted.

The partial change designation frame 652 is a screen for displaying the page range in which the print job content displayed in the overall setting information display frame 651 is to be changed, and the print job content for the page range to be changed.

Using a change start page designation key 653 and a change end page designation key 654, a page range in which the contents of the print job are to be changed is specified. Then, on the screen (not shown) displayed by pressing the setting change key 655, the print job content of the changed page range is set. For example, FIG. 11 shows that the contents of the print job have been changed from page 9 to page 10 to perform 2in1. The change addition key 656 is a key for setting print job contents to be further changed in addition to the print job change contents displayed in the partial change designation frame 652. The added print job change content is displayed below the partial change designation frame 652.

If you want to change the general setting information,
A print job content is set on a screen (not shown) displayed by pressing a setting change key 655 after pressing the entire setting information display frame 651.

A cancel key 657 is a key used to cancel the print job change content displayed in the partial change designation frame 652.

The up / down scroll keys 658 and 659 are used to scroll the screen when displaying a large number of print job changes that cannot be displayed on one screen.
The confirm key 660 is used to confirm the change of the content of the print job and return to the screen 630 in FIG.

A process for converting the resolution of the image data stored in the personal box based on the attribute information of the image data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is performed at regular intervals.

First, it is checked whether or not the hard disk 304b is in use (step S1). If it is being used, the process ends. If not, it is checked whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the image data was stored in the personal box (step S2).

If the predetermined period has not passed, the process ends. If the predetermined period has passed, it is checked whether the resolution of the image data is lower than the minimum resolution (step S3). If the resolution is lower than the minimum resolution, the image data is deleted (step S4).

If the resolution is not lower than the minimum resolution, the image data is read from the hard disk 304b, and the buffer memory area BM included in the buffer memory 304C is read.
1 is written (step S5).

On the basis of the image data written in the buffer memory area BM1, every other dot is skipped in the main scanning direction and one line is skipped in the sub-scanning direction to create image data with a converted resolution (step S6). The created image data is written into the buffer memory area BM2 included in the buffer memory 304C (step S7).
Hard disk 304b corresponding to the created image data
Is deleted (step S8).

The image data written in the buffer memory area BM2 is stored on the hard disk 304b (step S9). The image data in the buffer memory areas BM1 and BM2 is erased (step S10). These processes are performed by the CPU 206, and are periodically performed on all image data stored in the personal box.

The time required for processing varies depending on the amount of image data stored in the personal box. For example, if a timer is set so that these processing can be performed at night, other processing will not be hindered.

Step S2 of the above-described processing is a step of performing processing based on the attribute information of the image data. Instead of this step S2, the processing is determined in advance from the time of printing the image data stored in the personal box. It may be checked whether or not the time period has passed. If it has passed, the process proceeds to step S3, and if it has not passed, the process ends.

Further, instead of step S2 of the processing described above, it may be determined whether or not the data amount of the image data currently using the hard disk 304b exceeds a predetermined capacity. If the capacity is exceeded,
The process proceeds to step S3 of the above-described process, and if the capacity is not exceeded, the process ends.

Note that the resolution of the image data stored in the personal box may be converted by the processing described below. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is performed based on counting how many times each of the stored image data has been printed in a predetermined period.

First, it is checked whether or not the hard disk 304b is in use (step S11). If it is being used, the process ends. If not, it is checked whether or not the number of times of printing in a predetermined period is equal to or less than the reference number of times of printing (step S12).

If the number of prints is not less than the reference number of prints, the process ends. If the number of prints is equal to or less than the reference print count, it is checked whether the resolution of the image data is equal to or less than the minimum resolution (step S13). If the resolution is lower than the minimum,
The image data is deleted (step S14). If the resolution is not lower than the minimum resolution, the image data is read from the hard disk 304b, and the image data is written in the buffer memory area BM1 included in the buffer memory 304C (step S15).

On the basis of the image data written in the buffer memory area BM1, every other dot is skipped in the main scanning direction and one line is skipped in the sub-scanning direction to create resolution-converted image data (step S16). The created image data is written into the buffer memory area BM2 (step S17). The image data in the hard disk 304b corresponding to the created image data is deleted (step S18).

The image data written in the buffer memory area BM2 is stored on the hard disk 304b (step S19). The image data in the buffer memory areas BM1 and BM2 is deleted (step S20).

These processes are performed at regular intervals by the CPU 206, and are performed on all image data stored in the personal box.

As described above, since the resolution of the image data stored in the personal box is converted based on the attribute information of the image data and the data amount of the image data is reduced, the free space of the personal box is increased. The box can be used efficiently.

Further, since the image data whose resolution is lower than the minimum resolution is automatically deleted from the hard disk 304b based on the attribute information, the free space of the personal box is further increased, and the effect of using the personal box more efficiently is further enhanced. .

Note that the program codes necessary for performing these processes are stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk (FD), and the computer reads out the program codes from the floppy disk and executes them, thereby achieving the functions of the above-described processes. It can also be realized using a computer.

In this case, there is no need for the computer to store the program code for performing the above-described processing.
This saves space and also reduces costs. In addition, as a storage medium other than the FD and the hard disk, a CD-ROM,
Optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-R, magnetic tape,
A non-volatile memory card or the like may be used.

Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the resolution of image data is converted based on the attribute information of the image data. In the second embodiment, one pixel (one dot) of the image data is converted based on the attribute information of the image data. ) To convert the number of bits.

For example, if the number of bits per pixel of the image data stored in the personal box is 8 bits, the number of bits per pixel is converted to 4 bits based on the attribute information of the image data.

A case where image data having a bit number of 1 bit or more, such as 8 bits or 4 bits, is stored in a personal box will be described with reference to FIG.

When storing the 8-bit image data in the personal box, the 8-bit image data input to the log conversion unit 301 is directly transmitted to the control unit without passing through the binarization unit 302. Input to 303.

When storing the 4-bit image data in the personal box, the lower 4 bits of the 8-bit image data input to the log converter 301 are masked and the binarization is performed. The data is input directly to the control unit 303 without passing through the control unit 302.

The process of converting the number of bits per pixel of the image data stored in the personal box based on the attribute information of the image data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is performed at regular intervals.

First, it is checked whether or not the hard disk 304b is in use (step S31). If it is being used, the process ends. If not, it is checked whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the image data was stored in the personal box (step S32).

If the predetermined period has not passed, the process ends. If the predetermined period has passed, it is checked whether or not the number of bits per pixel of the image data is 1 (step S33). If the number of bits per pixel is one, the image data is erased (step S34). If the number of bits per pixel is not one, the image data is read from the hard disk 304b and the image data is written to the buffer memory area BM1 included in the buffer memory 304C (step S35).

If the number of bits of the image data read into the buffer memory area BM1 is 8 bits, it becomes 4 bits.
If it is a bit, it is converted to 1 bit to create image data (step S36). That is, in step S636, 1
A process for reducing the bit depth per pixel is performed.

Next, the created image data is stored in the buffer memory area BM included in the buffer memory 304C.
2 (step S37). The image data in the hard disk 304b corresponding to the created image data is deleted (step S38).

The image data written in the buffer memory area BM2 is stored on the hard disk 304b (step S38). The image data in the buffer memory areas BM1 and BM2 is deleted (step S39). These processes are performed by the CPU 206, and are performed on all image data stored in the personal box.

As described above, the number of bits per pixel of the image data stored in the personal box is converted based on the attribute information of the image data to reduce the data amount of the image data. Since the capacity is increased, the personal box can be used effectively.

The image data in which the number of bits per pixel is 1 bit is stored in the hard disk 30 based on the attribute information.
4b, the free space of the personal box is further increased, and the effect of using the personal box efficiently is further enhanced.

(Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, color image data stored in a personal box is converted into monochrome image data based on the attribute information of the image data.

A case where color image data is stored in a personal box will be described. In FIG. 3, a log conversion unit 301 generates a CMY signal based on the input RGB signals, and further adds a black character signal to generate a CMYK signal. Then, in the binarization unit 302, each bit of the CMYK signal is converted into one bit, and the binarized image data is transmitted to the hard disk 304 via the control unit 303.
b.

The buffer memory 304C converts the color image data into monochrome image data based on the conversion table of monochrome information corresponding to the arrangement of each bit of the CMYK signal. The conversion table is stored in the ROM 207 in the CPU circuit unit 205 in the form of a code.

A process for converting color image data stored in a personal box into monochrome image data based on attribute information of the image data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is performed at regular intervals.

First, it is checked whether or not the hard disk 304b is being used (step S41). If it is being used, the process ends. If not, it is checked whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the image data was stored in the personal box (step S42).

If not, the process ends. If it has passed, it is checked whether this image data is color image data or monochrome image data (step S43). In the case of monochrome image data, the image data is deleted (step S4).
4). For color image data, the hard disk 30
4b is read out from the buffer memory 304.
The data is written to the buffer memory area BM1 included in C (step S45).

Based on the image data read into the buffer memory area BM1 and the conversion table, black and white image data is created (step S46). The created monochrome image data is written to the buffer memory area BM2 included in the buffer memory 304C (step S47). The image data in the hard disk 306 corresponding to the created monochrome image data is deleted (step S48).

The monochrome image data written in the buffer memory area BM2 is stored in the hard disk 304b (step S49). The color image data in the buffer memory areas BM1 and BM2 is deleted (step S50). These processes are performed by the CPU
Step 206 is performed on all the image data stored in the personal box.

As described above, by converting the color image data stored in the personal box into monochrome image data based on the attribute information of the image data, the data amount of the image data is reduced. The capacity is increased, and the personal box can be used efficiently.

Since the black and white image data is automatically deleted from the hard disk 304b based on the attribute information, the free space of the personal box is further increased, and the effect of using the personal box efficiently is further enhanced.

The setting of the attribute information such as the reference print count and the predetermined period described in the first, second, and third embodiments can be performed by the user. The setting can be performed for each personal box.

FIG. 16 shows a screen 1600 for making settings for the personal box. Screen 1600 is displayed on operation unit 700. For example, screen 1 shown in FIG.
At 600, the settings for the personal box owned by Mr. Tanaka are made.

For example, when the user selects the setting key 1601 and sets the period until the image quality of the image data is converted using the up / down key 1610, the period set by the user is displayed in the period display area 1603. When the user presses the OK key 1608 in this state, the screen switches to a screen 1701 as shown in FIG.

Screen 1700 in FIG. 17 is a screen for confirming the contents set on screen 1600. For example, it is notified that the image data stored in this personal box is converted after seven days from the storage.

An OK key 1701 on the screen 1700 is a key used to confirm the contents set on the screen 1600 in FIG. Cancel key 1702 is
6 are used to cancel the contents set on the screen 1600 and return to the screen 1600.

On this screen, the user presses the OK key 170
When 1 is pressed, the setting for the personal box is completed.

Thus, when image data is stored in the personal box, the time at which the image data was stored and the period set by the user are stored in association with the image data.

The image quality is converted so that the data amount of the image data is reduced in accordance with the elapse of the period set by the user after the image data is stored in the personal box.

The above-described setting by the user can be performed for each personal box. FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. For example, on a screen 1800 in FIG. 18, settings are made for a personal box owned by Mr. Suzuki.

For example, when the user selects the setting key 1802 and sets the period until the image quality of the image data is converted using the up / down key 1810, the period set by the user is displayed in the period display area 1803. When the user presses the OK key 1808 in this state, the screen is switched to a screen 1901 as shown in FIG.

The screen 1900 in FIG. 19 is a screen for confirming the contents set on the screen 1800. For example,
The user is notified that the image data stored in the personal box will have its image quality converted eight days after printing.

In this screen, the user presses the OK key 190
When 1 is pressed, the setting for the personal box is completed.

As a result, when the image data of the personal box is printed, the time when the image data was printed and the period set by the user are stored in association with the image data.

The image quality of the image data is converted in accordance with the elapse of the period set by the user after printing the image data in the personal box.

When the setting key 1804 is selected on the screen 1800 of FIG. 18, the reference print number and the period until the image quality is converted are set by using the up and down keys 1810. In this case, the reference print count set by the user is displayed in the reference print count display area 1805, and the period set by the user is displayed in the period display area 1803.

In this state, the user presses the OK key 18
When 08 is pressed, the screen switches to a screen 2000 as shown in FIG.

Screen 2000 in FIG. 20 is a screen for confirming the contents set by the user on screen 1800. For example, it is notified that the image quality is converted for image data whose reference print count is 1 or less in 8 days.

The user presses the OK key 20 on the screen 2000.
By pressing 01, the setting for the personal box is completed.

When the setting key 1806 is selected on the screen 1800 of FIG.
Using 810, the maximum usable capacity is set. In this case, the value set by the user is displayed in the maximum usable capacity display area 1807.

Then, the user presses the OK key 18 in this state.
When 08 is pressed, the screen is switched to a screen 2100 as shown in FIG.

A screen 2100 in FIG. 21 is a screen for confirming the contents set by the user on the screen 1800. For example, it is notified that "when the data amount of the image data stored in this personal box becomes 90% of the maximum usable capacity of the personal box, the image quality of the image data is converted."

The user presses the OK key 21 on the screen 2100.
By pressing 01, the setting for the personal box is completed.

[0168]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image data output from the external device is stored in the storage area, and the attribute information of the image data stored in the storage area is stored in the storage area. In response, by converting the image quality of the image data stored in the storage area, the data amount of the image data is reduced and the free space of the storage area is increased, so that the storage area is less likely to be full. Therefore, the storage area can be used efficiently.

Further, according to the present invention described in claim 10,
The image data output from the external device is stored in a storage area, and the image data stored in the storage area is stored in response to a data amount of the image data stored in the storage area reaching a predetermined value. By converting the image quality of
An effect similar to that of the first aspect is obtained.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention,
By storing the image data output from the external device in the storage area, and by controlling the image quality of the image data to be converted in accordance with a lapse of a predetermined period from when the image data is stored in the storage area. Thus, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention described in claim 18,
The image data output from the external device is stored in a storage area, an image is formed on a sheet based on the image data stored by the storage means, and a predetermined period has elapsed since the image data was formed. And controlling the image quality of the image data to be converted in accordance with
The same effects as those of the described invention can be obtained.

According to the present invention described in claim 20,
The image data output from the external device is stored in a storage area, an image is formed on a sheet based on the image data stored by the storage means, and the image data stored in the storage area is subjected to image formation for a predetermined period. By counting the number of times counted and controlling the image quality of the image data stored in the storage area to be converted in accordance with the counted number, the same effect as the first aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an electronic sorter unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a personal box.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a print window on application software.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of a personal box window.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a password input screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing of image data.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of processing of image data.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of processing of image data.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of processing of image data.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 201 image reading unit 203 electronic sorter unit 204 printer unit 205 CPU circuit unit 303 control unit 304b hard disk 700 operation unit 1000 host computer

Claims (22)

[Claims] A storage unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing image data output from an external device; and storing the image data in the storage area in accordance with attribute information of the image data stored in the storage area. Conversion means for converting the image quality of the image data obtained. 2. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein a time at which the image data is stored in the storage area and a predetermined period are set as the attribute information. 3. An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on image data stored in the storage unit, and a time when the image data stored in the storage area is formed by the image forming unit. 2. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined period is set as the attribute information. 4. An image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data stored in the storage means, and an image forming means for storing the image data stored in the storage area for a predetermined period by the image forming means. 2. The image storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: a counting unit that counts the number of times of formation, wherein the number of times counted by the counting unit is used as the attribute information. 5. The image storage device according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing unit for automatically erasing the image data converted by the converting unit based on attribute information of the image data. 6. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts the resolution of the image data stored in the storage area. 7. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts the number of bits per pixel of the image data stored in the storage area. 8. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts the number of colors of the image data stored in the storage area. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said converting means gradually reduces the image quality of the image data stored in said storage area, and deletes the image data when the image quality of said image data is lower than a predetermined image quality. The image storage device according to claim 1. 10. A storage unit having a plurality of storage areas and storing image data output from an external device, and a data amount of the image data stored by the storage unit has reached a predetermined value. Conversion means for converting the image quality of the image data stored in the storage area,
An image storage device comprising: 11. A step of storing image data output from an external device in a storage area; a step of converting image quality of the image data according to attribute information of the image data stored in the storage area; Computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the program. 12. A method of storing image data output from an external device in a storage area, and storing the image data in response to a data amount of the image data stored in the storage area reaching a predetermined value. A step of converting the image quality of the image data stored in the area; and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the steps. 13. storing image data output from an external device in a storage area; converting image quality of the image data according to attribute information of the image data stored in the storage area;
An image data processing method comprising: 14. A step of storing image data output from an external device in a storage area, and storing the image data in response to a data amount of the image data stored in the storage area reaching a predetermined value. Converting the image quality of the image data stored in the area. 15. The image storage device according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the attribute information for each storage area. 16. A storage means having a plurality of storage areas and storing image data output from an external device, and a predetermined period has elapsed since the image data was stored in the storage area. Control means for controlling so as to convert the image quality of the image data in accordance with the image data. 17. The image storage device according to claim 16, further comprising setting means for setting the predetermined period for each storage area. 18. A storage unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing image data output from an external device, and an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data stored by the storage unit And control means for controlling the image quality of the image data to be converted when a predetermined period has elapsed since the image data was formed by the image forming means. Image storage device. 19. The image storage device according to claim 18, further comprising setting means for setting the predetermined period for each storage area. 20. A storage unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing image data output from an external device, and an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data stored by the storage unit. Counting means for counting the number of times the image data stored in the storage area is image-formed by the image forming means in a predetermined period, and according to the number of times counted by the counting means,
Control means for controlling the image quality of the image data stored in the storage area to be converted. 21. The control means compares a predetermined number of times with the number of times counted by the counting means, and when the number of times counted by the counting means is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the control means 21. The image storage device according to claim 20, wherein control is performed to convert the image quality of the image data stored in a storage area. 22. setting means for setting the predetermined period and the predetermined number of times for each storage area;
22. The image storage device according to claim 21, comprising: